Water filters

I always used a Katadyn filter in previous years, but this year in an effort to save weight I have switched to iodine tablets.

I've used them on 4-5 trips this summer and my final conclusion is..... I hate them. It doesn't filter any debris out of the water. It takes forever, I am thirsty NOW, not in 30 minutes. It makes the water taste funky and look funky. By the time the water is safe to drink it's nice and warm for you. I miss the cold water coming out of my filter. The only benefit in my opinion is it weighs practically nothing. From research I have done it isn't particularly effective at killing everything either.

So I am back to a filter. I will either just stick with the Katadyn or I am considering a steripen. I don't like the idea of relying on batteries, but it's fast, easy, light.
 
I use katadyn tabs...chlorine dioxide...way better than iodine. Just takes a little preplanning to treat your water....not hard to figure
 
andyjaggy said:
I always used a Katadyn filter in previous years, but this year in an effort to save weight I have switched to iodine tablets.

I've used them on 4-5 trips this summer and my final conclusion is..... I hate them. It doesn't filter any debris out of the water. It takes forever, I am thirsty NOW, not in 30 minutes. It makes the water taste funky and look funky. By the time the water is safe to drink it's nice and warm for you. I miss the cold water coming out of my filter. The only benefit in my opinion is it weighs practically nothing. From research I have done it isn't particularly effective at killing everything either.

So I am back to a filter. I will either just stick with the Katadyn or I am considering a steripen. I don't like the idea of relying on batteries, but it's fast, easy, light.
Click to expand...

Have you every tried out a Sawyer Squeeze, mini or regular? Flow rate of the regular would be more comparable to a traditional pump filter. Both options are lighter and cheaper and a bit more compact than a Steripen and easy enough to back flush with a Smartwater bottle fitted with their sport cap when the need arises.
 
WasatchWill said:
Have you every tried out a Sawyer Squeeze, mini or regular? Flow rate of the regular would be more comparable to a traditional pump filter. Both options are lighter and cheaper and a bit more compact than a Steripen and easy enough to back flush with a Smartwater bottle fitted with their sport cap when the need arises.
Click to expand...

Why isn't the Sawyer Mini more popular on here? With it being very cheap, small, and light I would think it would be used a lot more. I have been looking at switching to one of these from my katadyn but am hesitant do to the lack of interest. Is this lack of interest due to it not filtering out viruses or are there other issues?
 
Mike K said:
Good question. I googled sawyer squeeze vs sawyer mini and came up with the link below.

Seems like the squeeze gets the nod overall.

http://backcountrybanter.com/2014/12/03/sawyer-squeeze-mini-comparison-original-sawyer-squeeze/
Click to expand...


That's interesting. I've seen a few other sites that rate them the other way around. But as long as there are no major flaws with it, I am good with a slower flow and more back flushes. I ain't got nowhere important to be when I am in the mountains anyway. :)
 
Kyle P said:
Why isn't the Sawyer Mini more popular on here? With it being very cheap, small, and light I would think it would be used a lot more. I have been looking at switching to one of these from my katadyn but am hesitant do to the lack of interest. Is this lack of interest due to it not filtering out viruses or are there other issues?
Click to expand...
I love my Sawyer Mini water filter! easy to use, light, cheap, and can be used inline for gravity systems, etc. almost can't aford to not buy one!
 
I have been using both the squeeze and the mini for the past couple years. I use the mini when solo and the squeeze with 2 or more people. I set up my squeeze as a gravity flow and works great. And the reviews are right on. The flow is just faster with the squeeze but it's a couple oz heavier. Can't go wrong with either.

2015-06-10 09.43.54.jpg
 
Very cool info guys. I like the idea of the gravity filter. And I like the ziptop platypus bags. Any idea how much they weigh? (I've turned into a weight weenie). =)
 
FYI: the steripen emergency bundle (pen, bottle and pre-filter) is on close out at Sierra Trading Post for $24. I have the ultra but figured i could use a back up. I combined my order with a coupon and email with code for free shipping. It was $16.88 out the door.
 
Mike K said:
Very cool info guys. I like the idea of the gravity filter. And I like the ziptop platypus bags. Any idea how much they weigh? (I've turned into a weight weenie). =)
Click to expand...

I think I got my new water filter system figured out. Going back with the mini. Total weight is 8.6 oz. Not great but not bad for 4 liters of water storage if needed for the long waterless sections of trails. Took 16 minutes for 2 liters with gravity flow (brand new mini) You can gently squeeze the bag to increase flow and to get it flowing. Just use your food bag rope.
2015-08-15 08.43.12.jpg

Total cost: $80
2015-08-15 09.00.58.jpg
 
WasatchWill said:
Both options are lighter and cheaper and a bit more compact than a Steripen and easy enough to back flush with a Smartwater bottle fitted with their sport cap when the need arises.
Click to expand...

Will, are you saying I don't need to be carrying around my syringe for the Sawyer mini as long as I have a smartwaterbottle bottle with me? (which I usually do anyways)
 
Mike K said:
Good question. I googled sawyer squeeze vs sawyer mini and came up with the link below.

Seems like the squeeze gets the nod overall.

http://backcountrybanter.com/2014/12/03/sawyer-squeeze-mini-comparison-original-sawyer-squeeze/
Click to expand...
I think I talked to the guy who did that review while in the Winds last week. He was still using the Mini on his CDT hike. He filled up one water bottle, screwed the Mini on to the bottle, then squeezed the water from that bottle into another bottle. I know he complained about the flow rate in the review, but it seemed to go pretty quick when I watched him do it. And it looked super small and light. After watching him do it I came home and started researching them. :)
 
Vegan.Hiker said:
Will, are you saying I don't need to be carrying around my syringe for the Sawyer mini as long as I have a smartwaterbottle bottle with me? (which I usually do anyways)
Click to expand...
Yep! I think it was @steve that first posted this video, in another thread here somewhere. I've been following suit ever since.

 
How does the bottle hold up after repeatedly squeezing and crushing the plastic bottle for a 7 to 8 day hike?
I guess I am paranoid about cracking the plastic bottle. Back flushing is kinda important.
I was thinking of just going with only one 32 oz Gatorade bottle plus the 2 - 2 liter Platys
Pryor trips I would take one Smart water and one Gatorade bottle plus the 2 liter squeeze pouch. Hmmm?
I think I should keep the Smart bottle and ditch the syringe.
If you crack the bottle you loose the good pressure to back flow it?
I can bring 2 Smart Water bottles. Then I would have a back up.
Duct tape around bottle could save bottle.
The syringe weights 1.2 oz.
Ok... more test needed
 
Opi said:
I think I got my new water filter system figured out. Going back with the mini. Total weight is 8.6 oz. Not great but not bad for 4 liters of water storage if needed for the long waterless sections of trails. Took 16 minutes for 2 liters with gravity flow (brand new mini) You can gently squeeze the bag to increase flow and to get it flowing. Just use your food bag rope.
View attachment 33372

Total cost: $80
View attachment 33373
Click to expand...
I've used gravity filters for years but got frustrated after they clogged. I think I own at least 4 filters gravity, hand pumps, and straws at the moment. They are a great option and I usually have someone bring a hand pump when on the trail. However, I can process a liter in 90 seconds and not open my pack with a steripen. I will take the extra 2-3 oz for $60 savings and an extra 15 min. on the trail. I just finished a 4 day trip through the Teton Crest Trail and really enjoyed it. There are many options and I like having multiple tools to choose from.

I don't want to debate the merits of either option but rather suggest a tool box approch to situations that allows a person to pick the best method for a given situation. At $24 the steripen bundle that includes a pre-filter, a water bottle, and batteries is something that anyone could add to there gear stash.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top